More than 300 former European diplomats and officials have called on Europe to take stronger action in response to the ongoing war on Gaza, including a full suspension of the EU’s cooperation agreement with the Israeli regime. 

The joint letter, signed by 314 former EU and member state diplomats, was released shortly after the UN General Assembly opened in New York. It also urged all EU member states to recognize Palestinian statehood, joining 147 countries that have already done so. France, Belgium, the UK, Canada, and Australia are expected to express support for a Palestinian state later this month at the UN. 

The initiative came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued her strongest condemnation yet of the Israeli government. She called for sanctions on extremist ministers and a suspension of the trade section of the EU-"Israel" association agreement.

“Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war,” von der Leyen said, criticizing the 23-month war on Gaza that has caused a humanitarian disaster. She also announced the freezing of financial support to the Israeli government, including €6 million in annual regional funds and a €14 million grant for public institutions.

Read more: Europe condemns war on Gaza yet fuels 'Israel’s' defense industry boom

Michael Doyle, a former EU ambassador and co-organizer of the letter, welcomed the announcement but stressed the need for implementation: “It was good to hear the announcements yesterday, but of course now we want to see those words put into action.”

Diplomats call for recognition of Palestinian statehood

The letter, sent to von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, urged Europe to suspend the EU-"Israel" agreement entirely and take a leadership role in international forums.

“We cannot stand idly by, watching Gaza reduced to rubble and its inhabitants to destitution and starvation,” said former EU ambassador Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, another co-organizer. “The issue is whether the EU and like-minded nations are going to stand up for basic humanity and for the values that underpin the postwar international order.”

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The letter was signed by nearly 140 former EU officials and 175 diplomats from member states, including Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

The backing of German and Italian diplomats is significant, given that both countries have helped block proposals to cut EU research funds to Israeli organizations.

EU divisions over Gaza and sanctions on "Israel"

Suspending research funding requires a majority of 15 EU states representing 65% of the bloc’s population, while suspending the EU-"Israel" association agreement demands unanimity. Similarly, sanctions against individuals require consensus.

The EU remains divided, with states such as Hungary and the Czech Republic supporting Netanyahu’s government, while Belgium, Ireland, and Spain push for stronger measures.

This is the fourth letter the group has issued since July, marking rare and outspoken criticism of EU policy from senior former officials.

Read more: EU flags 'Israel' human rights breach in association pact: Reuters

Norway, a non-EU member state, said it would join the bloc and adopt the Euro if the motion to suspend the trade agreement with the Israeli occupation moves forward.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said to local media that Oslo would “in all likelihood follow suit” if Brussels enforces the suspension. “We have never been against sanctions and measures, but we believe this must be done together with other countries,” he added, emphasizing Norway’s tradition of aligning closely with EU policy.

European Parliament pushes for action

Separately, the European Parliament passed its first resolution on Gaza in years. Titled Gaza at breaking point, the non-binding text expressed support for suspending the trade part of the EU-"Israel" agreement and imposing sanctions on extremist ministers in the Israeli government.

The resolution passed with 305 votes in favor, 151 against, and 122 abstentions. Despite support from von der Leyen, significant numbers of center-right, far-right, and extremist politicians opposed the resolution.

Read more: Germany blocks EU push to sanction 'Israel' over war on Gaza

Belgian liberal MEP Hilde Vautmans, who led negotiations, said the vote sent a clear message to member states and the Commission: “No more excuses, time to act now.”